Microsoft has released a new development platform (I think it is) called Microsoft SilverLight. It is supposed to bring rich, interactive, streaming media into a cross-browser, cross-platform environment. (Personally, I think they are ignoring Opera).

The development team is working hard to get this running on Firefox as well as Internet Explorer. They are adding support for "major, leading browsers" quickly and efficiently when possible. Macintosh users (for Mac OS X) can also download this application which is under 2MB in size. You can download SilverLight 1.0 Beta here. There is also a SilverLight 1.1 Alpha, which isn't functioning fully (of course, because it is alpha).

The content is based off XAML as well as AJAX and can be developed in a variety of programming languages such as Python, C#, Visual Basic .NET, JavaScript and more. It says that it will effectively integrate with existing infrastructure of your site, without disturbing server stuff and whatnot. The media is based off of Windows Media technologies (of course) and can include vector graphics (SVG perhaps?). Because of the advanced technology, their system requirements demand quite a bit also:

128 MB ram, Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista, IE6 or 7, Firefox 1.5.0.8 or Firefox 2 and above.

I think that this technology will eventually replace Flash. It can also replace embedded Windows Media players in web pages because SilverLight supports High-Definition video, that is, if you have the technology to view HD videos. I would like to see SilverLight as well as SVG to grow in usage because they are excellent technologies that can be built on and improved. It gives developers a whole new level to develop on, it can "Light Up the Web".

I think it's just that Microsoft just wants to steal Adobe's thunder just like how they introduced the XPS to compete with PDF.

I stand behind Flash because it's the industry standard and shouldn't be changed by Microsoft.

Even if something is going to surpass Flash, I think it would be JavaFX instead of SilverLight.

xboxrulz

SilverLight Rocks! I love it, can you guess why?

btw if any company wants to compete with flash go ahead! Competition is good and I can't blame Microsoft for competiting its cut throat

Well the video that is on the Microsoft Silverlight page is certainly faster than YouTube videos. (Note: You can only see it if you actually installed Silverlight).

I just noticed, on the home page of Silverlight, where it says Experience Silverlight, if you view the 3rd thing, it says future Microsoft.com navigation.


Does that mean that people's system who cannot support Silverlight can't view Microsoft.com? :|
Also, imagine dynamic ads? Will that be a positive or negative experience as an Internet user?